JACKSON, MI — At the beginning of the season, the Vandercook Lake High School competitive cheer team and its 10 seniors set the goal of making a run to the Division 4 state finals with the motto, “last chance, one shot.”

After a second-place finish at a Division 4 regional final with 741.96 points, the Jayhawks have made their run but know there is work to do.

“Finishing second at regionals has lit a new spark under this team,” Vandercook Lake coach Sarah DuBois said. “They put everything that they had on the mat and left no regrets.

“The momentum after not only qualifying for the state finals, but taking second place, has put us at a whole new level.”

Michigan Center was the only team to beat Vandercook Lake in the regional round, and now finds itself one step closer to a fourth consecutive Division 4 state championship.

The Cardinals wasted no time in the first and second rounds as they built a early 19-point lead.

Her team has proven to be up to the challenge as Michigan Center has not trailed in any round during the postseason.

Vandercook Lake is the only Cascades Conference team to beat Michigan Center this season, and will have one more chance to do so, but this time with a state title on the line.

“When you can beat any team that you look up to, it certainly builds confidence,” DuBois said. "I've made it a point to teach my girls to build their own confidence and to not focus on scores or other teams.”

Also moving on to the finals from Michigan Center and Vandercook Lake's regional are Hudson (739.62), which posted the highest third-round score (308.3) at the regional, and top-ranked Merrill.

As if a punched ticket to the state finals wasn't enough, DuBois was honored as the regional coach of the year by her peers.

“That night is already one of the most memorable in my coaching career,” DuBois said. “I had no idea I was receiving the award. It wasn't even something I thought about until it was being announced. “

With only eight teams remaining, the Cardinals and Jayhawks know they will have their hands full with more than just each other Saturday. Five of the eight teams from the 2013 Division 4 state finals are making the trip back to the DeltaPlex.

Vandercook Lake is seeking its first state championship, and Michigan Center is competing for not only its fourth in a row but fifth in six years.

DuBois' challenge to her team on keeping the focus on themselves will be put to the test at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1.

“This team is unique, and they want a state championship,” DuBois said. “The girls have finally realized that when they rely on each other that they can achieve their goals.

“It’s going to be a great day. All eight teams are trying to beat each other, and the best team will come out on top.”